Old Hollywood Actresses Who Were Infamous for Their Romantic Affairs

Old Hollywood has long been synonymous with glamour, elegance, and scandal. Behind the dazzling facade of glitzy premieres and red carpet events, a world of secret romances and passionate affairs thrived among the stars. While not all actresses participated in such behavior, there were a select few who gained notoriety for their adventurous love lives. Here are many Old Hollywood actresses who were infamous for their romantic escapades.

1. Elizabeth Taylor: The epitome of beauty and talent, Elizabeth Taylor’s striking violet eyes captivated many leading men. Throughout her career, she had multiple high-profile marriages and relationships, including a turbulent romance with Richard Burton, with whom she married and divorced twice.
2. Joan Crawford: A trailblazing actress, Joan Crawford was also known for her numerous affairs with fellow actors and industry figures. Her tumultuous relationship with Clark Gable and a string of other romances kept gossip columns buzzing.
3. Ava Gardner: As one of the most desirable actresses of her time, Ava Gardner’s love life was as captivating as her on-screen performances. Her affair with Frank Sinatra and tempestuous marriage to him made headlines worldwide.
4. Marilyn Monroe: The ultimate sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe’s radiant charisma was irresistible to many, including some of the most powerful men in Hollywood. Her liaisons with prominent figures only added to her enigmatic allure.
5. Rita Hayworth: Known as the “Love Goddess,” Rita Hayworth’s beauty and charm made her a sought-after companion. Her tumultuous marriages to Orson Welles and Prince Aly Khan were highly publicized.
6. Ingrid Bergman: The Swedish-born beauty Ingrid Bergman had a captivating presence on and off the screen. Her affair with Italian director Roberto Rossellini caused a scandal that affected her career in Hollywood.
7. Lana Turner: Often referred to as the “Sweater Girl,” Lana Turner’s striking looks drew a legion of admirers. Her affairs with various high-profile men, including a notorious relationship with mobster Johnny Stompanato, attracted significant media attention.
8. Tallulah Bankhead: A prominent stage and screen actress, Tallulah Bankhead was unapologetically open about her colorful love life, which included affairs with both men and women, making her a true Hollywood iconoclast.
9. Marlene Dietrich: The legendary Marlene Dietrich was known for her allure and androgynous style, making her irresistible to both men and women. Her romantic conquests included numerous Hollywood stars and political figures.
10. Hedy Lamarr: The stunningly beautiful Hedy Lamarr was not only an actress but also a brilliant inventor. She was notorious for her string of affairs with prominent men, with her charm leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
11. Vivien Leigh: The iconic British actress, best known for her role as Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind,” had a reputation for captivating leading men both on and off-screen. Her passionate love affair with Laurence Olivier, whom she eventually married, was widely reported and followed by the press.
12. Jayne Mansfield: With her undeniable sex appeal and voluptuous figure, Jayne Mansfield was a sex symbol of the 1950s and ’60s. Her liaisons with high-profile men, including legendary heartthrob Marlon Brando, kept her in the spotlight.
13. Jean Harlow: The original “Blonde Bombshell,” Jean Harlow’s magnetic charisma attracted many suitors, both on and off-screen. Her love life was a constant source of fascination and gossip during her brief but impactful career.
14. Ava Norring: Swedish actress Ava Norring, who later adopted the screen name Zsa Zsa Gabor, was notorious for her glamorous lifestyle and high-profile marriages. Her nine marriages, including unions with Conrad Hilton and actor George Sanders, were the talk of the town.
15. Tallulah Riley: A captivating actress, Tallulah Riley had a reputation for her wit, charm, and enchanting allure. Her numerous romances with Hollywood actors and prominent figures were widely publicized.
16. Merle Oberon: The mysterious beauty Merle Oberon was known for her exquisite looks and magnetic presence. Her passionate affairs with celebrated men like David Niven and Prince Aly Khan garnered considerable attention.
17. Dorothy Dandridge: As the first African American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, Dorothy Dandridge made history. Despite facing racial discrimination, she also faced public scrutiny for her romantic relationships with prominent entertainers.
18. Barbara Stanwyck: A versatile and talented actress, Barbara Stanwyck’s love life was marked by multiple marriages and high-profile relationships. Her on- and off-screen chemistry with leading men was often the subject of tabloid headlines.
19. Lana Del Rey: The sultry and seductive singer and actress Lana Del Rey is known for her haunting vocals and vintage Hollywood aesthetics. Her romantic relationships, particularly with musicians and industry figures, have piqued public interest.
20. Hedy Lamarr: The stunningly beautiful Hedy Lamarr was not only an actress but also a brilliant inventor. She was notorious for her string of affairs with prominent men, with her charm leaving a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

While these actresses may have been infamous for their romantic affairs, it’s essential to remember that the era they lived in was quite different from today’s. Society’s norms and attitudes towards relationships were distinct, and the allure of Old Hollywood often blurred the lines between reality and fiction. Despite the scandals and controversies, these actresses left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, showcasing their talent, beauty, and, in some cases, their tempestuous love lives.